The Edge of Over There by Shawn Smucker

This review is based on an Advance Reading Copy (ARC)
by Shawn Smucker

Book 2 of The Day the Angels Fell Book Series. 

I am very taken with this book, totally unexpected, vibrating with intensity, and a fascinating story. Even from the beginning you know this is going to be an interesting book. I get the feeling that had I read the previous book "The Day the Angels Fell," it would have amplified everything I read in this book. But perhaps this book was already amplified from the beginning. Not having read the previous book may not have clarified this one. All I know for sure is The Edge is what is important. I am in awe with what the author has portrayed with the characters and the landscape.

There is so much going on in this book. Family relations, heroic children, the ocean that takes you Over There, the Tree of Life, the realities and the possibilities. As mentioned, the book I am reviewing here is an Advance Reading Copy. I can't help but wonder at what may appear in the final version. I expect the characters will become full-grown, and many questions will be answered.

Heckel Casey by James Koch

Published by Imajin Books

Portent of things to come? "Heck" of a thriller!
The ultimate fight of good against evil. The world is not just poised on the precipice, it has gone over the edge. It is the age of destruction and evil reigns. James Hoch has written a fast-paced thriller of fear, horror and despair as the world collapses. But from the very beginning, there is a trickle of hope in very few, not extinguished. Is it enough to save what is left of the world?

This was a gripping piece of thriller fiction, one I found difficult to put down. Reminiscent of life in the Twilight Zone, part reality, part macabre, part paranormal, it comes with a message. The signs are all there in our real lives today. The outcome remains to be seen. The collapse is already hidden in the shadows of reality. The author has taken that shadowy present and shaped it into a terrible future that is fiction...but will it become fact?

The search by one man, Heckel or "Heck", for any sign of normalcy left in the world. One man walking, who as a boy, was somehow protected from the seduction of evil, and he isn't the only one. They exist, he has only to find them, people untainted by evil, and find them he does after walking for about a year. He finds them in various small-holds, isolated homes around the country and in burned out small towns. We must believe that there are others in other countries playing out the same game. Like any hero, Heckel has an odd sidekick, a cat he calls Jerky. Jerky seems to have adopted him, and is a unique protector, giving warnings of something not right ahead.

Faith and God play a role in the later encounters, angels strengthen the souls and bodies of these people, aiding in their fight against supernatural demons. This is not to say the book is a tome of religion, but belief and faith in the good in humanity.

Fiction at its best, fascinating plot, amazing characters, and fulfillment of promise...but will it last and which will it be: Good or Evil? Enjoy the book, I did.

The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson

Originally posted Saturday, July 11, 2009

Circles in circles, which is the beginning and which is the end?

What would we do if we found a new world? Is there any good answer to this question? Would any group come to agreement? Would the answer be based on greed? The question is asked via example in this quixotic, fascinating story of "Post-3 War" (decades or possibly centuries later): inspiration, desolation, promise, disappointment, and cleverly woven past, present, future. Amazing and horrifyingly possible, this book is whimsical and highly imaginative sci-fi, history, eco-horror, and passion all rolled together in one great story. In Part 1 life has become so full of routine that even thinking is becoming outmoded. Bring into this world the discovery of a new sustainable planet, with an exploratory team including a gorgeous new model of robo-sapien and the book takes off like a rocket.

I found myself completely absorbed in each part of the book and constantly looking forward to what the ending might be. Jeanette Winterson has a very interesting method of writing. Several parts are written as thoughts and many are conversational. Highly unique, genuine story-telling, it is impossible not to become drawn right into the plot. Written in several parts, I advise that the reader keep on reading to see where each is going. Every story ties into to every other and if any part is skipped over lightly something important may be missed. It is very difficult to describe this book without spoilers. I might have made a guess or two where it would all would end but the ending took me by surprise regardless. An excellent piece of cautionary yet entertaining piece of fiction filled with adventure into possibilities: governmental, corporate, scientific, human, robo-sapien. As "Billie", our host on this journey thinks
"Is this how it ends?
It isn't ended yet."
and says, "The book isn't finished, but this is as far as I could go." But this statement was not the end of the book.

With all that said, my feeling is that this book is suitable for several different genres, and for teens and adults. It carries with it valuable messages for our own futures in an entertaining manner. Although the author has written novels prior to this one, I had never come across any of her books; I now look forward to reading more from Jeannette Winterson. Well done, I'm pleased to recommend this book!